Diversity Among Electric Vehicles: Are They All the Same?
At the 10-day Auto Shanghai motor show, Takashi Watanabe, the new President of Lexus International, showcased the brand's commitment to refined luxury, meticulous craftsmanship, and a pursuit of ever-elevating customer experience. The highlight of the event was the world premiere of the Lexus LM, the company's flagship MPV model, which embodies these values.
Watanabe's presentation emphasized Lexus's continuous evolution while preserving the brand's core values of quality, reliability, and exquisite attention to detail. The LM MPV launch showcased Lexus's ambition to expand its luxury offerings to new markets, particularly in China, reaffirming the spirit of creating vehicles that blend cutting-edge performance with premium comfort for discerning customers.
The LM MPV's design is a testament to this philosophy, offering a harmonious blend of advanced features and elegant design. The vehicle's interior, in particular, is a masterclass in comfort and luxury, with a focus on providing an unparalleled driving experience.
Watanabe's vision for Lexus extends beyond the LM MPV. He is known to have played a significant role in the development of Lexus's battery EV models, including the UX300e and the RZ, the latter serving as the first concrete step towards realizing his future vision for the brand.
Chairman Akio Toyoda, who is known to work directly with development teams to test and improve Lexus cars, tested the RZ developed by Watanabe's team and approved it, saying "Now this is a Lexus." This endorsement is a testament to Watanabe's dedication to maintaining the quality carmaking tradition established by Akio and Sato.
When offered the job of president at Lexus, Akio Toyoda told Watanabe to create cars that make people smile. Watanabe aims to continue offering cherished vehicles that enrich the diverse lifestyles of customers, avoiding turning cars into a commodity. He aims to enhance Lexus's unique driving feel and design through electrification technology, maintaining the quality carmaking tradition established by Akio and Sato.
The Chinese market's rapid shift to electric and smart technologies was prominently on display at the Auto Shanghai motor show. The Lexus Electrified Sport Concept, a symbol of Watanabe's vision for the future of Lexus, was a highlight of the show, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The spirit of Lexus carmaking, as expressed by Takashi Watanabe, is centered around creating a sense of "comforting luxury." This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the brand's vehicles, from their design to their performance, aiming to provide customers with a driving experience that is both luxurious and enjoyable.
[1] Lexus LM World Premiere at the 2021 Auto Shanghai Motor Show [2] Takashi Watanabe appointed President of Lexus International
[1] The Lexus LM, embodiment of the brand's commitment to luxury and customer experience, had its world premiere at the 2021 Auto Shanghai Motor Show.
[2] Takashi Watanabe, President of Lexus International, demonstrates this commitment through his dedication to blending cutting-edge technology, such as electric vehicles and data-and-cloud-computing, with the traditional values of quality, reliability, and design.
